A Tale of Two Cities
Katie, Michelle and I had a lovely afternoon Toronto's distillery district
I lived in Toronto last year. Looking back, the time went by so fast and I had so much fun. I love the variety of stores, restaurants, everything!; the accessibility of the city; the fact that I seem to walk more and spend lots of time outside; although very urban there is a park (or parkette) at almost every corner; I met so many great friends, and strengthened so many existing friendships; the career opportunities are almost endless – There is just “something” about Toronto!
By the end of my time there, and after a few tough losses in my life, I felt the need to come back – to be with family and friends, to reconnect with home and Niagara. Don’t get me wrong. I am glad to be back and I do love Niagara. My closest friends and family are here. It’s absolutely gorgeous. There are a lot of amazing things to do. (It is a loooot cheaper). It’s quaint and comfortable – it’s home.
I’ve recently come to realize that I will never be truly satisfied by either Niagara or Toronto alone. I love them both too much. I’m torn when it comes to choosing where to live. So I’ve decided to have the best of both worlds! For now I’ll continue to visit Toronto as much as possible! Who knows, I may even end up back there for a little while. When it comes down to it, Niagara will always be home…and I think I’m pretty lucky for that.
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Halloween was “Off the Wall”
My friends and I have always been MJ fans, but this year (after his shocking death) we’ve been particularly taken by him. His music became the soundtrack for our summer trip to the cottage, many nights out, and almost every car ride (short or long). A lot of basement dance parties took place, and the moves to Thriller were learned. We even made it to the opening night of “This Is It.” It was only natural to carry on at Halloween.
What inspired our MJ Halloween most was plans for a Thriller flash mob. (Flash mob? you ask. It’s a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, then quickly disperse.) There are a ton of videos featuring groups of people dancing to MJ hits. In fact, there is an entire website dedicated to teaching people the moves to Thriller – Thrill the World, the annual worldwide simultaneous dance of Thriller. Once again, online communications brings a sense of community and comfort to millions of people…in this case, MJ fans everywhere! A Thrill the World event actually happened here in St. Catharines the week before Halloween.
Although our particular event ended up being cancelled, we still ran with the idea…Amanda as “Thriller” MJ, Laura as “Smooth Criminal” MJ, Steph as classic MJ and myself as “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” (yes, disco) MJ. Decked out in our costumes, we danced the night away in true MJ style and had such a fun night.
If I think back to my childhood I remember a lot of good times being silly at home dancing around to MJ. This might be one of the reasons why “Off the Wall” is my favourite album. I was reminded of this a few years ago after taking a cruise with longtime friends of the family. Getting down to “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” seemed all too familiar!
So, the world comes together over something so important and shocking, both online and offline. With tribute after tribute in the public eye and among my closest friends, there is no question that Michael Jackson is an amazing performer…and he always will be. Just like Halloween 2009 will be one to always remember!
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An 1812 Thanksgiving
There’s something about Thanksgiving weekend. Family. Friends. Turkey. The leaves. Pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving (and Fall in general) is one of my favourite times of the year. I get to spend a lot of time with the people I love and a lot of time outdoors.
This year in particular I got to spend more time than usual outside – at the Balls Falls Thanksgiving Festival. The Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council set up shop for the first time as an exhibitor at the 35 year old Festival. I have been to the Festival and the Conservation Area many times, but this was a first. In my 1812 period costume, tent set up with 1812 banners and gear, on the historical side of the street, we had a great weekend. Not only was the weather beautiful, but I got to meet and speak to a lot of people.
With our recently launched website, www.discover1812.com, there was a lot to talk about. Although many people already know about the War of 1812 our presence at the Festival was a nice reminder that the Bicentennial celebrations are coming up. The fact is, there is a rich history in Niagara. There is a lot to see and do and learn.
I must admit, I felt a bit silly in my costume. My friends also had a good laugh-in fact, they all showed up with their cameras. The good news? I now have these pictures for this post…Thanks ladies!
Amanda is the first to arrive...camera in hand!
Jules and Laura stop by next...more cameras!
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My social media purge
Ok, so this may sound outrageous, terrible and weird but I am suddenly finding myself moving away from the social media craze that my networks and profession seem to demand of me.
Maybe it was the few beautiful days I just spent at the cottage (by the river, on the dock, at the campfire, relaxing with my friends). Maybe it’s the hours I spend on the computer ALL day at work. Maybe it’s the rediscovery of my love of reading. Maybe it finally feels like summer. Whatever the reason, I am finding myself less likely to check my facebook, tweet, or even keep up my blog.
Gang's all here.
But here I am, writing my blog again, so I obviously still realize the importance of social media. I am glad I understand it and have experienced. At the same time I am glad I know how to take a step back and take a break from it.
Isn’t weird how we know so much about random strangers because of our connections on social media sites? I realize this connection has it benefits, but there are something things that we just don’t all need to know. Email simply allows us to keep in touch and share information on a more private basis. Isn’t this good enough? (Rant over.)
And here I am, sharing my private thoughts with an online audience, making websites for people, promoting a website as part of my job. Maybe I just need to get this rant out of my system, because the truth of the matter is social media exists. It is important and relevant and will keep evolving. I guess I can’t underestimate the power of social media, but I can choose to be a bystander more often than not. Maybe you should try it.
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Tags: blog, facebook, friends, social media, twitter
Who knew that an idea that a little birdie put in my ear six short months ago, would turn out to be something I can see myself doing, maybe even long term. With one website down, and three on the go I have been a busy gal.
All three website are totally different. One – a small apparel company, sexy and sophisticated. Two – a research study, simple and formal. Three – a chakra spa, hopeful and healing. The things that they all have in common is the need to reach an online audience.
Aside from the websites I am also focusing on creating a brand (there’s that word again) for each. As a result I have spent a lot of time brainstorming ideas and joting notes. I will move ahead in the design of packaging, business cards, brochures, etc. Really, the possibilities are endless.
What I am learning the most is that this is FUN! I actually really enjoy doing this stuff. I enjoy collaborating with my clients to fulfill their needs and hope to exceed their expectations. I also enjoy the process of it all. Everything seems to fall into place along the way. Sometimes the finished product ends up entirely different from what you started with, but that’s what makes it so perfect!
The biggest compliment I received about www.mangiacakebyamanda.ca is that the website reflects Amanda’s personality. Mission accomplished! Now I just have to achieve this on the next three. I am definitely up for the challenge…stay tuned!
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Tags: online, web design, website
Home sweet home.
Since I just said farewell to CIC (and Toronto) I think it is only fair to say hello to Niagara. Words can’t say how happy I am to be back at home, and if there were t-shirts that said I heart Niagara I would be wearing one now. Niagara truly is my home sweet home.
As I pulled up to my house last Friday, Jetta filled to the rim, I jokingly thought of what I would say when I got home – “Where’s the banners and the balloons?” Little did I know there would be banners, one on the front window and one in my room.
So here I am - back at home, greeted with open arms by my friends and family. I am ready to beginning my contract with the Niagara 1812 Legacy Coincil, get organized from the move and a enjoy a summer at home!
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Tags: niagara
Farewell CIC
So, this is the last week of my placement at Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Looking back on it now, the past eight weeks have flown by! I have learned a lot of great stuff and built up my portfolio which I know will help me in my career in the field of Public Relations and Corporate Communications.
My biggest accomplishment – taking the lead on the intranet and internal e-newsletter. I basically created new templates from scratch using a “common look and feel” (once again branding is important!). I worked with correspondents for their contributions. I also wrote some of the content myself.
With the approval process sometimes making projects move at a snails pace this process was sometimes trying. In fact, I probably won’t even get to see a copy of the new internal communications efforts launched. What I do hope I left behind is a valuable bank of stories, contacts and designs that will help my fellow communicators to launch the intranet redesign and e-newsletter when the time comes…my CIC legacy if you will.
I also learned about the importance of communicatio
ns in the Federal Government – both external and internal. Even social media proves to be important to their programs. Check out the recently launched “Waking up Canadian” YouTube Video put out by CIC. I thought it was pretty progressive (not to mention that the guy in it reminds me of my dad!).
Overall, my look into government communications has offered me an opportunity to expand my love for online communications and web design. While I’m not expert in html I am fully dedicated to creating an online presence, a coherent brand image. Soon I will be working on another website for a client and I can’t wait to learn even more.
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Tags: communications, government, online, web design
My weekend ’sans’ social media
Amanda and I down by the water.
This past Friday at 4pm I logged off Facebook, shut down my computer and got ready to head to the cottage with some friends. Held up by the TTC and Friday traffic, we finally arrived in Havelock, Ontario at 9pm to start our girls’ weekend!
My lovely friend Amanda invited me to join her and some girls from her work for a weekend by the lake. I had a blast. Made some great new friends. Ate and drank way too much. Relaxed by the campfire. Slept well at night.
At first it felt strange being away from the computer, but I took the time to enjoy it and it was kind of refreshing! When I’m at home, the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is turn my computer on. Then I check it throughout the course of the day responding to emails, making comments, updating profiles. At the cottage that option vanishes! I didn’t even get cell phone reception.
When I got back to the city I had a whack of emails in my inbox, and messages to deal with. It requires some catching up, but the reality is that nothing is so pressing that it can’t wait for a few days. And the world of social media goes on with or without me.
It is nice to have something to come back to. I think this weekend confirmed my love (and slight addiction) of the web and social media. But I think if I’m willing to give it up cold turkey for a weekend here or there I’m still doing okay!
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Tags: facebook, friends, social media
So, it has been a while. Life has been hectic, and I let my blog slide…shame on me! But a lot has changed in the last month or so, and I am learning a lot.
I am currently about half way through my field placement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. It’s nice to be getting some hands on, practical experience. I have been writing stories, designing templates and managing an internal online publication…right up my alley!
I already have a job lined up for when I am done: a seven week contract with Niagara’s War of 1812 Legacy Council. A lot of exciting things are happening with the online presence of the Council and I am excited to be a part of it. I am also excited to venture back to good old Niagara for the summer. What could be better than combing my love of Communications with my love of Niagara?!
Things with mangia cake are awesome! With adorable business cards printed and quickly depleting Amanda has been busier than ever. You can also now find her on Facebook and Twitter! I recently helped her (aka stood on the side lines as she worked her magic) and received an appreciation for what she does. It’s not easy, it’s pretty amazing, and she puts her all into it – blood, sweat and tears! Thanks for all the positive feedback and support we have both received since launching the website. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.
The FAB four - Jules, Amanda, Laura and I at dinner
On a scarier note, I celebrated my 25th birthday last week! I had a perfect birthday weekend at home with friends and family. My mom keeps reminding me that I am a quarter of a century old. This makes me evaluate my life and realize that I am on the right path both personally and professionally. I have the most amazing home, friends and family a girl could ask for. I am glad I made the move to Toronto and explored the exciting field of Corporate Communications and Public Relations. I don’t know exactly where it will take me or where I will end up. All I know is, I am excited for the challenges that lay ahead.
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Tags: communications, family, friends, mangia cake, niagara, public relations
Recently my hometown of Thorold experienced two devastating, tragic loses. With a cloud of heart break and sadness over us all it may have been the hardest week imaginable.
It is times like this that I really realize how important community is. Family, friends, neighbours, colleagues – all brought together in a time of need.
What surprised me most was the presence of this community online. I thought Facebook would seem like something so trivial in times of tragedy, but for us it became a form of comfort. With groups created to honour the memory of two amazing Thorold men, Facebook users began to pour their hearts out. No relationship was too insignificant to share memories, thoughts and best wishes. An abundance of pictures, stories and videos were posted. It became a way to give and receive support to each other. It gave us reason to cry and to laugh. It touched our lives.
We can’t deny the growing importance of social media in our lives. It is all around us so why not use it to our advantage. This also reminds me of the implications of our use of social media has on other users. What we do and say online affects other user and members of our community.
Thorold has been touched by these tragedies and although we don’t understand why, we are comforted by our community – in person and online. We are comforted by sharing and memories. We are comforted in knowing we have two incredible angels watching over us. Grant and Mr. Mahler will always be in our hearts, and their legacy will always remain – even on facebook.
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Tags: community, facebook, family, friends, online, social media
Recent Entries
- A Tale of Two Cities
- Halloween was “Off the Wall”
- An 1812 Thanksgiving
- My social media purge
- …and a side of web design, please.
- Home sweet home.
- Farewell CIC
- My weekend ’sans’ social media
- Happy birthday to me – 25 and still learning as I go!
- Facebook offers comfort in tragic times
- Starbucks and social media…a delicious combo!
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